“HOME IS TRULY WHERE THE HEART IS ”
Last year, PIE ALVAREZ had her apartment renovated into a wonderful space that merges all that is essential for her.
Since she was little, Pie Alvarez has had an admiration for interior design. This appreciation for what makes a home beautiful is one of the factors that fueled the former San Vicente, Palawan mayor’s personal pandemic project—the renovation of her apartment. “It took about 45 days to start and finish all construction, interiors, and, of course, the finishing touches to finally make it a home,” Alvarez shares. She worked with Pauline and John Sac, her good friends who run the design firm 50/53A & Co. “What matters most to me is that they get me, my style, my vibe and they really listen to my needs, and ideas,” she explains.
“I have the entire day to spend with my daughter. I get to take care of her when she is awake and have that special bond”
NEW LIFE AT HOME
There were many challenging factors in the renovation, not the least of which are the restrictions brought about by the lockdown.
Fortunately, when the quarantine measures eased last July, construction resumed, giving them enough time to finish. The result of all their hard work is an elegant space that offers breathtaking views of the city.
They may have accomplished everything in four weeks, but another tough challenge remained—adjusting to everyday life in the middle of a pandemic.
As public places like fitness centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities remain unsafe, Alvarez created corners for their routines to be done at home. “I had to make a gym in one area, a study and office for my [remote work] needs, and also, I had to adjust and pivot for the needs of my household as well,” she says.
A quick scan of her home gym provides a window into her workout favorites; yoga mats, foam rollers and stability balls are on hand alongside heavier equipment like indoor bikes, kettlebells, and a treadmill.
It is also Alvarez’s way of encouraging the family to be fit. “We must stay healthy, workout regularly, spend adequate downtime with family and of course, time for self-care as well,” she says.
BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
Maximalism is how Alvarez describes her design aesthetic. She admits to loving color and texture, tending to layer and put things together that some may find too much. “But that is the beauty of design—it truly depends on your preference, your style, and, of course, your taste,” she explains.
While she prioritizes function over aesthetic when it comes to furniture, Alvarez still has a fondness for the classics, and she is drawn to collecting mid-century pieces, Italian furniture, and antiques.
Some of these are heirloom pieces, which Alvarez has incorporated into the renovation. “In my daughter Nara’s room, I used my dad’s 1970’s brass lamp and then just made it more current by adding a scalloped lampshade with a beige linen cover,” she illustrates. “I added matching sconces to make it even more elegant, young, and vibrant.”
Alvarez’s travels are another source of interesting finds. No matter the country she visits, she brings parts of the rich culture and tradition to her home. This way, the pieces not only draw out beautiful memories, but also reflect her great appreciation of the history of other nations.
When it comes to artwork, Alvarez believes in a deeply personal perspective. “I think art has to first speak to you,” she says, sharing that her first acquisition was a creation by London-based Filipino artist Pio Abad. She has acquired more since, all of which are spread around her newly-renovated home.
The way she has collected art points to one of Alvarez’s guidelines: Interior design is not an instant process. “You really have to start slow,” she says. “There are no rules. Buy the essentials first [and] then slowly build your home in each space with your own taste.”
“Home should be the place where you build the foundation and pillars to positively support your family”